Burman swoops for Folkestone skipper Flanagan

Dartford boss Tony Burman has today made a double swoop that should increase their title winning hopes next season, writes Stephen McCartney.

Striker Jay May, 21, who chipped in with 23 goals last season, has signed a new contract to stay at Princes Park until the end of next season.

His strike partner, Brendon Cass, who scored thirty goals last term, is also on a contract until the end of next season, and the pair will form another clinical partnership as the club bid for promotion next term.

And Adam Flanagan, 29, the inspirational Folkestone Invicta club captain, has also signed a contract with the Darts.

CONTRACT:  Dartford boss Tony Burman has signed Adam Flanagan (right) from Folkestone Invicta - the fourth former Invicta player at Princes Park.
Photograph courtesy of www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk


The highly-rated defender joins former team-mates, goalkeeper Tony Kessell, and defenders Steve Norman and John Guest at the ambitious Ryman League Division One South club.

“I am delighted to announce that Jay May has signed a new contract to stay with us next season,” unveiled a delighted Burman on www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk.

“Jay, who has just turned 21 this month, has had an excellent season and I intend to help improve him to be even better for the new campaign.”

And Burman was delighted to be able to prise Flanagan away from the Buzzlines Stadium.

He said: “Also this week I have secured the signature of Adam Flanagan.

“I would like to add that Adam turned down some very lucrative offers from Ryman Premier clubs, which I would not match.

“But after seeing Princes Park, he wanted a new challenge and to be part of a club with ambition.

“Adam is one of many new players that I would like to add to the squad for the new season, and I am delighted that he has signed a contract for us.”

Folkestone Invicta, who have tonight announced that they will be keeping 15 of last season's squad for next season, explained why Flanagan has parted company with them.

“Due to changes in his personal life, Essex based Flanagan wishes to reduce the time he spends travelling,” said a statement on their website www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk.

“In his time at the Buzzlines Stadium, Flan has proved to be Invicta’s saviour on numerous occasions and his dedication and commitment has led him to be an immensely popular player on the terraces and in the dressing room.

“Folkestone Invicta would like to thank Adam for his exemplary service since signing for the club in 2003 from Hastings United, and wish him all the very best in his football career and beyond.”

Meanwhile, the club confirmed that they will not be re-signing Luke Howell and highly-rated goalkeeper, Richard Martin.

The statement added: “Rumours have been circulating regarding ex-Gillingham midfielder Luke Howell and former Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Richard Martin, who both enjoyed impressive loan periods with the club last season.

“Luke lives in Eastbourne and would therefore wish to play for a club closer to his home, although he will remain in contact with Invicta.

“Richard wishes to remain in full-time football and is therefore expected to sign for a Conference club in the very near future.

“Folkestone Invicta wishes both of these young players well in what are destined to be successful football careers.”

The 15 players staying are; Luke Stonebridge, Kevin Watson, Samuel Kola Okikiolu, Roy Guiver, Liam Friend, James Everitt, Martin Chandler, Ben Sly, Micheal Everitt, Mark Saunders, Rob Knott, Ellis Remy, Paul Jones, Damian Abel and Jim Corbett.

Invicta boss Neil Cugley, taking charge of his eleventh season in August, and Mark Saunders have been contacted by a number of players and a series of meetings with potential signings have been scheduled for the coming week.

Visit club websites:

www.dartfordfc.co.uk & www.dartfordfootballclub.co.uk/forum

www.folkestoneinvicta.co.uk